Recent construals of the later Wittgenstein's meaning as use thesis have represented it as leading to one of four options: anti-realism, meaning-reductionism, meaning-scepticism, or quietism. I argue that none is forced on us by it, leaving room for modest realism, a substantial conception of meaning, and philosophical debate. Four key elements to the thesis are: 'Supervenience on Use': A conception of meaning according to which meaning is exhausted by use. 'Full Manifestation': Meaning is fully manifest in linguistic practice, and understanding is a practical ability. . 'Modesty': A view that characterisations of meaning can only be given from in the middle of things. lt is only possible to characterise meaning from within a practice, and by taking it for granted that we are competent language users whose words are meaningful. 'Quietism': A view that a proper understanding of the other aspects of the use doctrine puts an end to, or limits, what can count as philosophical debate. No abstract philosophical account of meaning is necessary or possible, just reminders of use in different regions of discourse. Each of the four options above puts too much emphasis on one or other of these aspects. In fact, a proper understanding of the thesis involves recognition of all four. Origins of the thesis can be traced back to Wittgenstein's acceptance of Frege's Context Principle in the Tractatus, and the four elements of the mature thesis emerge out of the Philosophical /nvestigations. However, the way in which it makes room for realism, whilst rejecting or modifying quietism, becomes clear only in On Certainty. Wittgenstein's last work thus represents a significant further development in his thinking, on the one hand representing a return to earlier themes in the Tractatus, and on the other casting new light on aspects of the use thesis in the investigations.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:655742 |
| Date | January 2007 |
| Creators | Lucas, Susan |
| Publisher | Birkbeck (University of London) |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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